Clothing for Confidence expands to dress students for first day of school

Clothing for Confidence founder Madison Rolling, second from right, is working with Amy Carden, from left, Morgan Brazelle and Nicole McDuffie to expand the clothing drive across North Alabama. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – When school starts, many youth won’t have closets stocked with bright shirts, well-fitted jeans and stylish shoes. Clothing for Confidence will guarantee these students enter the classroom proudly.

Last year as a Bob Jones High School senior, Madison Rolling founded Clothing for Confidence. She wanted “to leave a legacy for Christ in my community.” Her mother always made sure Madison had a new outfit for the first day of school.

“This simple form of self-confidence can be all a child needs to branch out, make new friends, speak up or even move outside their comfort zone,” Rolling said.

In 2013, more than 600 people bought new outfits. Young people in grades K-12 shopped on a designated day for whatever they needed.

This year, Rolling is expanding Clothing for Confidence across North Alabama. She wants to “get the word out to more people for both the clothing drive and shopping day.”

Through July 21, people can donate new or barely used boys’ and girls’ shirts, shoes, pants, jackets, socks, along with purses, scarves, belts and accessories. Drop-off locations are Madison Public Library, Madison City Hall, Dublin Park, Madison Chamber of Commerce and Inside-Out Ministries.

Youth can shop on July 26 at Inside-Out Ministries at 103 Gin Oaks Court in Madison. “The drive wouldn’t be possible without Inside-Out. Larry and Deborah Ward provided a place to keep clothes and to hold shopping day,” Rolling said.

Rolling’s major challenge “is getting the word out. It’s is difficult to (advertise) on a wide scale, especially being away at college,” Rolling said. She is completing her freshman year at Auburn University.

“After the drive last year, it was so humbling to see that we had touched and aided people from all over North Alabama, not just the area we originally intended,” she said. “It’s so encouraging to see the support. That’s what keeps this thing going.”

Madison’s parents are Dennis Rolling and Terri Towry of Madison.

For more information, email to clothingforc@gmail.com or visit clothing4confidence.wix.com/cforconfidence-.